"George and Dan are dynamic and innovative editors who will continue to elevate the journalism of the Chronicle," Cohen said.

Haj becomes deputy managing editor/news and will oversee the local news operations, state desk, business, foreign, national and projects staffs. Haj, 43, joined the Chronicle in 2003 as assistant managing editor/business.

Cunningham also becomes deputy managing editor/news, leading the news and wire desks, the Page A1 team, the Sunday newspaper and the sports section. Cunningham, 49, was assistant managing editor/sports and has headed the sports department since 1989.

Cohen also announced that Russ Shaw will become the assistant managing editor/news, working with the local news sections and national/foreign teams. Shaw, 48, was the Chronicle's national editor.

Joining the Chronicle next week is Jacquee Petchel, who becomes assistant managing editor/projects. Petchel, 46, joins the Chronicle from the Miami Herald, where she was most recently the investigations editor.

"Our goal simply is to build the Chronicle into one of the best newspapers in the United States," Cohen said.

"We must continue to grow readers of print and online journalism by creating relevant coverage that makes a difference in their lives and their communities."